Mom’s Day

May 8, 2011

I can hardly believe it’s been a year since I wrote these words:

I want to introduce you to an amazing mother. Dealing with our two characters was 2 parts challenge and 100 parts love. Ingrid taught our boys how to think for themselves. She taught them to be independent. She taught them how to respectfully make their voice heard while insisting on listening to others. One of Chris’ friends, Clayton, used to say to Chris…”That Ingrid…amazing woman”. Sort of funny from a 14 year old, but he had it right. Amazing woman indeed.

A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all Moms out there including my own, Leona, and my Mom-in-law, Grace!

Those words are all true again this year.

This past 52 weeks has seen my Dad and then my Mom battle health issues that made them over-acquainted with hospital beds and our health care system in general.

Thankfully, as of this week, they are both at home after a few months away for Dad and almost a month for Mom.

As I told my Mom recently, her battle to fight for her health and to fight to look after Dad was and is incredible. I know much of my own work ethic comes from this woman who on a usual Sunday back in the day would have made lunch for 20 people, taught a Sunday School lesson, braided three sets of hair (no, mine was not one of them…) and sang in the choir. And that was all before 2pm.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

To my Mom-in-law Grace, we often think of the days you walked with Max and Chris to the bus at our old place before and after school. Those after school snacks were legendary as was the interaction you had with the boys. Those are special moments that live forever.

Today as Ingrid spends some not-that-often one on one time with Max (he took her out for brunch and a walk), I reflect on her journey. I stand beside her as she places a single white rose on Chris’ wall as we remember. I watch in awe as she so proudly talks about both her sons and has the grace and determination to continue with life’s journey.

As any parents, we are excited and wondering where Max will go and what he will do as he turns the corner into adulthood. We remember Chris with each step and know he continues to be with us in spirit and as we remember all the other Moms, especially today, that have suffered the loss of a child…we join with you in the excitement of the day when we will be reunited with our loved ones.